Title (15 words) : Agent or Patron? Baldassarre Turini’s role in the Making of the Medici Papal Tombs
Abstract (150 words) :
In the Rome of Paul III, the tombs of Leo X and Clement VII erected in Santa Maria sopra Minerva are undoubtedly the last ambitious artistic commission related to the two Medici Popes. Shortly before his death, Clement VII entrusted one of his faithful agents, Baldassarre Turini, to oversee the project. Surprisingly enough, his decisive role in the commission has been ignored. Using his correspondance and Vasari’s Vite, I will show how the prelate’s expertise was sought for throughout every stage of the making process; from the architectural interventions in the Minerva’s choir to the budget management and the tough negotiations with the impetuous Baccio Bandinelli, sculptor of the tombs. Focusing on Turini’s artistic relations and influence, I will demonstrate how the prelate dramatically changed the fate of this commission while working at the protection and promotion of the Medici Popes’ image.
Keywords :
Patronage - Popes - Medici - Rome - funerary sculpture - Leo X - Clement VII - Baldassarre Turini - Baccio Bandinelli - agency